Israel’s Futile Idolatry (ISA 57:1-13)

[57:1] The righteous man perishes, and no one lays it to heart; devout men are taken away, while no one understands. For the righteous man is taken away from calamity;

[57:2] he enters into peace; they rest in their beds who walk in their uprightness.

[57:3] But you, draw near, sons of the sorceress, offspring of the adulterer and the loose woman.

[57:4] Whom are you mocking? Against whom do you open your mouth wide and stick out your tongue? Are you not children of transgression, the offspring of deceit,

[57:5] you who burn with lust among the oaks, under every green tree, who slaughter your children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?

[57:6] Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they, are your lot; to them you have poured out a drink offering, you have brought a grain offering. Shall I relent for these things?

[57:7] On a high and lofty mountain you have set your bed, and there you went up to offer sacrifice.

[57:8] Behind the door and the doorpost you have set up your memorial; for, deserting me, you have uncovered your bed, you have gone up to it, you have made it wide; and you have made a covenant for yourself with them, you have loved their bed, you have looked on nakedness.

[57:9] You journeyed to the king with oil and multiplied your perfumes; you sent your envoys far off, and sent down even to Sheol.

[57:10] You were wearied with the length of your way, but you did not say, “It is hopeless”; you found new life for your strength, and so you were not faint.

[57:11] Whom did you dread and fear, so that you lied, and did not remember me, did not lay it to heart? Have I not held my peace, even for a long time, and you do not fear me?

[57:12] I will declare your righteousness and your deeds, but they will not profit you.

[57:13] When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them all off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land and shall inherit my holy mountain.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *